GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

This vehicle may have a Rear Vision Camera system. Read this entire section before using it.

Caution: The Rear Vision Camera (RVC) system does not replace driver vision. RVC does not:

   • Detect objects that are outside the camera's field of view, below the bumper, or underneath the vehicle.
   • Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.
Do not back the vehicle by only looking at the rear vision camera screen, or use the screen during longer, higher speed backing maneuvers or where there could be cross-traffic. Your judged distances using the screen will differ from actual distances.

So if you do not use proper care before backing up, you could hit a vehicle, child, pedestrian, bicyclist, or pet, resulting in vehicle damage, injury, or death. Even though the vehicle has the RVC system, always check carefully before backing up by checking behind and around the vehicle.

Vehicles Without Navigation System

The rear vision camera system is designed to help the driver when backing up by displaying a view of the area behind the vehicle. When the key is in the ON/RUN position and the driver shifts the vehicle into R (Reverse), the video image automatically appears on the inside rear view mirror. Once the driver shifts out of R (Reverse), the video image automatically disappears from the inside rear view mirror.

Turning the Rear Vision Camera System Off or On

To turn off the rear vision camera system, press and hold , located on the inside rearview mirror, until the left indicator light turns off. The rear camera vision display is now disabled.

To turn the rear vision camera system on again, press and hold until the left indicator light illuminates. The rear vision camera system display is now enabled and the display will appear in the mirror normally.

Vehicles With Navigation System

The rear vision camera system is designed to help the driver when backing up by displaying a view of the area behind the vehicle. When the driver shifts the vehicle into R (Reverse), the video image automatically appears on the navigation screen. Once the driver shifts out of R (Reverse), the navigation screen will go back to the last screen that had been displayed, after a delay.

Turning the Rear Vision Camera System On or Off

To turn the rear vision camera system on or off:

  1. Shift into P (Park).
  2. Press the MENU button to enter the configure menu options, then press the MENU hard key to select Display or touch the Display screen button.
  3. Select the Rear Camera Options screen button. The Rear Camera Options screen will display.

  4. Object Number: 1685906  Size: B3
  5. Select the Video screen button. When the Video screen button is highlighted the RVC system is on.

The delay that is received after shifting out of R (Reverse) is approximately 10 seconds. The delay can be cancelled by performing one of the following:

    • Pressing a hard key on the navigation system.
    • Shifting in to P (Park).
    • Reach a vehicle speed of 5 mph (8 km/h).

There is a message on the rear vision camera screen that states "Check Surroundings for Safety".

Adjusting the Brightness and Contrast of the Screen

To adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen, press the MENU button while the rear vision camera image is on the display. Any adjustments made will only affect the rear vision camera screen.

(Brightness) : Touch the + (plus) or - (minus) screen buttons to increase or decrease the brightness of the screen.

(Contrast) : Touch the + (plus) or - (minus) screen buttons to increase or decrease the contrast of the screen.

Rear Vision Camera Error Messages

Service Rear Vision Camera System: This message can display when the system is not receiving information it requires from other vehicle systems.

If any other problem occurs or if a problem persists, see your dealer/retailer.

Rear Vision Camera Location


Object Number: 1581472  Size: B2

The image is provided by the camera located on the rear bumper.

The camera uses a special lens. The distance of the image that appears on the screen differs from the actual distance. The area displayed by the camera is limited. The camera does not display objects which are close to either corner of the bumper or under the bumper. The spare tire and carrier extends rearward of the rear bumper. The area displayed on the screen can vary according to vehicle orientation or road conditions.

The following illustration shows the field of view that the camera provides.


Object Number: 1581984  Size: B5

Notice: The spare tire extends farther away from rear of the vehicle than the trailer hitch shown on rear vision camera display. The spare tire could hit an object even though there appears to be enough distance on the display between the trailer hitch and objects behind you causing vehicle or property damage. Do not use this system to judge the distance between the spare tire and objects behind you.

When the System Does Not Seem To Work Properly

The rear vision camera system might not work properly or display a clear image if:

    • The RVC is turned off. See "Turning the Rear Camera System On or Off" earlier in this section.
    • It is dark.
    • The sun or the beam of headlights is shining directly into the camera lens.
    • Ice, snow, mud, or anything else builds up on the camera lens. Clean the lens, rinse it with water, and wipe it with a soft cloth.
    • The back of the vehicle is in an accident, the position and mounting angle of the camera can change or the camera can be affected. Be sure to have the camera and its position and mounting angle checked at your dealer/retailer.
    • There are extreme temperature changes.

The rear vision camera system display in the rearview mirror may turn off or not appear as expected due to a loss of video signal, or no video signal present during the reverse cycle. The display will be blank and the left indicator light will slowly flash as long as the vehicle is in R (Reverse) or until the condition returns to normal.

Pressing and holding when the left indicator light is flashing will turn off the video display along with the left indicator light.